grapnel

Plural: grapnels

Noun

• A small multi-pronged anchor or a grappling hook.
• a tool consisting of several hooks for grasping and holding; often thrown with a rope
• a light anchor for small boats
• A small anchor, having more than two flukes, used for anchoring a small vessel.
• A device with a multiple hook at one end and attached to a rope, which is thrown or hooked over a firm mooring to secure an object attached to the other end of the rope.
• A grappling iron.

Verb

• To connect (ships) with a grapnel.

Examples

• His high-scoring word GRAPNEL helped him hook into a strong lead in Scrabble.

Synonyms

grapnel anchor, grapple, grappler, grappling hook, grappling iron, graplin